Free Template
📋Letter of Last Instructions
This isn't a will and it's not a legal document — it's something even more practical. A letter of last instructions tells your family exactly where to find everything they'll need, who to call, and what to do first. Think of it as the instruction manual for your life that no one should have to figure out alone.
Important Contacts
List every person and professional your family might need to reach. Don't assume they know who your accountant or insurance agent is.
Attorney: [Name, firm, phone, email]. Handles: [e.g., 'Will, trust, estate matters']. Financial Advisor: [Name, firm, phone, email]. Accountant/CPA: [Name, firm, phone]. Tax records location: [where stored]. Insurance Agent: [Name, phone]. Policies: [life, home, auto]. Bank Contact: [Name, branch, phone]. Employer HR: [Company, contact name, phone]. Benefits info: [e.g., 'life insurance through work, pension']. Landlord/Property Manager: [If applicable]. Doctor: [Name, practice, phone]. Faith leader: [Name, organization, phone]. Closest friend to lean on: [Name, phone] — [e.g., 'They know everything and can help coordinate.'].
Financial Accounts
Document every financial account your family needs to know about. Where the money is, how to access it, and what's owed.
Checking Account: [Bank, branch, account ending in XXXX]. Online access: [via password manager / written in safe]. Savings Account: [Bank, details]. Credit Cards: [List each: issuer, last 4 digits, approximate balance]. Mortgage/Rent: [Lender or landlord, monthly amount, account number area]. Autopay: [yes/no, from which account]. Car Payment: [Lender, monthly amount, remaining balance]. Student Loans: [Servicer, balance]. Retirement: [401k with [employer/institution], IRA with [institution]]. Beneficiaries: [names]. Investments: [Brokerage account details]. Safe Deposit Box: [Bank, branch, box number]. Keys: [where stored]. Who has access: [names]. Immediate cash needs: [e.g., 'There's $[amount] in the checking account for immediate expenses. The life insurance payout takes about [timeframe].'].
Insurance Policies
List every insurance policy. Your family needs to file claims quickly — some have time limits. Make this as complete as possible.
Life Insurance #1: [Company, policy number, face value]. Beneficiary: [name]. Agent: [name, phone]. Policy location: [where stored]. Life Insurance #2 (through work): [Company, coverage amount]. HR contact: [name, phone]. Health Insurance: [Provider, policy/group number, phone]. Homeowner's Insurance: [Company, policy number, agent name and phone]. Auto Insurance: [Company, policy number, vehicles covered]. Umbrella Policy: [Company, policy number, if applicable]. Long-term Care Insurance: [Details if applicable]. Disability Insurance: [Details if applicable]. How to file a claim: [e.g., 'Call the agent first — they'll walk you through everything. You'll need a certified copy of the [certificate] for each claim.'].
Digital Accounts
List your important online accounts and how to access them. In the digital age, this section is as critical as the financial one.
Password Manager: [App name]. Master password: [where to find it, e.g., 'sealed envelope in home safe']. This has ALL logins. Email (primary): [Provider, address] — Most accounts are tied to this. Email (secondary): [Provider, address] — Used for [purpose]. Subscriptions to cancel: [List with monthly cost: Netflix $[X], Spotify $[X], gym $[X], etc.]. Auto-payments to stop: [List any autopay from bank account]. Social media: [Platforms and wishes for each: memorialize, delete, etc.]. Cloud storage: [Google Drive / Dropbox / iCloud — important files location]. Phone passcode: [Where to find it]. Computer password: [Where to find it]. Digital executor: [Name, phone] — [e.g., 'I've given [name] permission to manage all digital accounts.'].
Where to Find Documents
Create a map of where every important document lives. Your family shouldn't have to search the entire house.
Home safe: [Location in house, combination where stored]. Contains: [list items, e.g., 'Will, insurance policies, passports, birth certificates, property deed']. Safe deposit box: [Bank, branch, box number]. Keys: [location]. Contains: [list items]. Filing cabinet: [Location]. Organized by: [system, e.g., 'tabs for insurance, taxes, medical, legal']. Attorney's office: [What they hold, e.g., 'Original will, trust documents']. Digital copies: [Where, e.g., 'Scanned copies of all documents in Google Drive folder called "Important Documents"']. Tax returns: [Location for last 3-7 years]. Property deed: [Location]. Vehicle titles: [Location]. Marriage certificate: [Location]. Military records: [Location, if applicable]. Note: [e.g., 'The blue binder on the top shelf of my office closet has everything organized. Start there.'].
Common questions about this template
How do I share my Letter of Last Instructions with my family?
Store the completed letter in a safe, accessible place—a safe deposit box, home safe, or with your executor—and tell at least one trusted family member exactly where it is. Unlike a will that's kept confidential, your Letter of Last Instructions needs to be findable quickly when your family needs it most, so don't hide it. Consider giving copies to your executor or primary contact person so they can act immediately on your instructions.
Is a Letter of Last Instructions a legal document?
No, this letter is not a legal document like a will—it's a practical instruction manual that complements your legal documents rather than replacing them. It has no legal force on its own, but it's incredibly valuable because it tells your family the actual steps to take immediately after your death, like which accounts exist, who to call first, and where to find documents. Think of it as the roadmap that makes executing your estate and handling your affairs much less overwhelming.
How often should I update my Letter of Last Instructions?
Review and update your letter at least annually or whenever major life changes occur—new accounts, job changes, policy updates, or relationship changes. The Digital Accounts and Financial Accounts sections especially need regular attention since account information changes frequently. Set a calendar reminder each January or on your birthday to review it, and update any contact information that's no longer accurate right away.
What format should I use for my Letter of Last Instructions?
You can handwrite, type, or use this template—the format matters less than completeness and clarity. Keep it organized by the template's five sections (Important Contacts, Financial Accounts, Insurance Policies, Digital Accounts, and Where to Find Documents) so your family can quickly locate what they need. Use clear, straightforward language and avoid legal jargon; your goal is to make this easy to understand during a stressful time.
What should I do right after I finish writing my Letter of Last Instructions?
Make multiple copies and store them in at least two secure locations—your home safe and a safe deposit box, or with your executor—then inform your family and key contacts exactly where to find the original. You should also review your other estate planning documents (will, power of attorney, healthcare directives) to ensure your Letter of Last Instructions aligns with them and doesn't contradict any legal arrangements. Finally, consider scheduling a meeting with your executor or primary contact to walk them through the letter so they understand your wishes before they need it.
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Important disclaimer
This template is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. It was created with the assistance of AI and may contain inaccuracies. Always consult a qualified professional for legal or financial decisions.